Dream for Africa

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The Dream for Africa is a vision of the unification of the present 54 African states. It was one of the main mission objectives which necesitated the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) - now renamed African Union (AU) - an organisation that seeks to establish a centralised government and bank for all African states.

In practical terms, the current trend toward the creation of 'development regions' such as the SADC and Ecowas will benefit the greater goal of attaining Pan-African unification and a continent-wide governing body.

The emergence of strengthening trade ties with the Caribbean and South America, as well as with Asia and the Pacific rim economies stands to benefit Africa throughout the new century.

Many Africans view the continent's rich store of culture and diversity as a resource for internal growth. Proponents of African spiritual traditions such as Ifa and Vodun; practitioners of Africa's cultural expressions such as Capoeira (via Angola); and her multitude of body, musical and auritorical performers together nurture the belief that these life-giving forces will benefit the continent's socio-political development in the modern era.

The dream of Africans is linked to the health of Africa's people, her resources and self-esteem - yet, the African continent's wellbeing is intrinsically linked to the wellbeing of all the peoples of the world. Much shedding of the baggage imposed on Africa during the past 400 years is necessary and is, in fact, happening. The future of the African continent is full of hope and involves the metamorphosis from underdevelopment to sustainable growth energised by the revitalising ingredients already present within the continent herself.